KAJANG: The Cabinet has discussed a proposal to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to probe allegations against Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
“We have discussed it. We will issue a statement later,” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said yesterday after Friday prayers at Masjid Jamek Kajang.
The allegations include the ownership of 17.7 million shares, bought for RM1.416mil, in Velocity Capital Partners Bhd, as well as claims of a so-called “corporate mafia” operating within the anti-corruption agency.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, meanwhile, said a special probe panel tasked with investigating the allegations is expected to submit its findings next week.
He said the panel, headed by Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, was close to concluding the probe.
The police are also carrying out investigations to ascertain if the MACC had abused its powers for corporate gains, he said.
Fahmi said the Cabinet would study the findings of the special probe before deciding if there was a need to form the RCI.
Earlier, Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong had warned that if the government failed to take firm action against Azam, he and other MPs from the DAP could withdraw their support for the unity government.
While debating the Auditor-General’s Report 1/2026 in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, Khoo said if no action was taken to address the matter, the issue could undermine voter confidence.
Separately, Anwar urged mosque and surau committee members not to marginalise the underprivileged as Hari Raya approaches.
Although the government has extended various forms of assistance to the people, Anwar said he hoped those in need would not feel isolated during Ramadan.
“I hope this year’s Ramadan and Aidilfitri will be the best for them. This appeal is also directed specifically at hospital staff,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to exercise maximum restraint and to immediately cease all military operations that has escalated in recent days.
Malaysia viewed with concern the cross-border military operations and declarations of open conflict between the two neighbouring Muslim nations, Anwar said, adding that the loss of life on both sides was a source of profound sorrow and that the violence unfolding during the month of Ramadan made the situation even more grievous.
“The legitimate security concerns of Pakistan must be addressed. Equally, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan must be respected.
“These two imperatives are not in contradiction. They can only be reconciled at the negotiating table,” he said in a Facebook post, and expressed hope for the safety of civilians caught in the conflict and for the wisdom of leaders on both sides to choose peace.
Pakistan’s military carried out airstrikes early yesterday in several parts of Afghanistan, including the capital Kabul as well as Kandahar and Paktia provinces, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing an Afghan government spokesman and local sources.
